According to the American Heart Association, the vast majority of individuals that suffer from high blood pressure have no idea that they have this condition. They are generally unaware that they are in danger of developing serious health problems such as a stroke, heart disease, diabetes and kidney problems. The only way to know definitely that you have a condition, is to have your blood pressure levels regularly monitored. Always go to your doctor or health professional in the first instance, so that they can accurately determine your levels. If a problem is diagnosed, it is a wise idea to purchase a quality blood pressure monitor, which enables you to monitor your levels at home. This will greatly assist you in checking any treatment that will assist to reduce blood pressure.
Many health professionals and doctors will check your blood pressure levels whenever you visit them and if there are signs that your levels are increasing, then it is advisable to consider treatments and remedies. Never commence any treatment without first consulting your health professional. However, do not be to quick to take pills, as many of these can have very nasty side effects. A review of your diet and other lifestyle changes should be considered. You will be surprised at how some of these small changes can have a marked effect on lowering blood pressure.
It has long been known that eating celery has beneficial effects and in fact it is an important Chinese herbal medicine. Recent research has identified that celery may not only reduce high blood pressure, but may also be a protection factor against cancer and high cholesterol. Celery is originally from the Middle East and is a member of the carrot family. The leaves and seeds of celery are also edible, as well as the well known long, green storks. The cultivation of celery has been going on for several thousand years and it is well known as a medicinal plant and food flavouring agent. It is now a popular salad vegetable and is widely used in cooking, as well as being a natural treatment to reduce high blood pressure.
Celery has a compound in it called butyl phthalide, which accounts for its characteristic taste and smell and is the chemical that can assist in reducing high blood pressure. Any restriction in the size of blood vessels is going to inhibit the flow of blood, which results in increased blood pressure. Stress is probably the leading cause of blood vessel restriction and this occurs when stress hormones are produced. The butyl phthalide in celery acts by reducing the body’s production of these hormones, therefore relaxing the blood vessels. A reduction in blood pressure comes about from the increased flow of blood.
Celery is also high in Vitamin K, Vitamin C, dietary fibre and Potassium, making it one of natures ‘wonder’ vegetables. Eating a few celery storks every day can have a definite effect in lowering blood pressure, recent studies have shown. If you find the taste of eating raw celery too strong, then try adding it to a juicing machine, with apples, oranges and carrots, to make a flavoursome drink. Celery can also be added to salads of all kinds, as well as to soups and stews, which will benefit from the distinct flavour. Whilst cooking may reduce some of the beneficial compounds, it is still a worthy addition. Eating celery every day will not only be a great boost towards your healthy diet, but is also a wonderful natural remedy for lowering high blood pressure.
More so that it’s tasty and available the whole year round.. A bit unusual, but not bad recipe is celery salad with oranges and lemon juice under sour cream, try it!
Abundant Living´s last blog post .. http://howdoesstressaffecthealth.org/reduce-stress-be-healthy
I like juicing combinations of vegetables. Just be a little creative when putting different veggies together. There really is not any right or wrong. One combination I like is Granny Smith apples and celery, believe it or not.